10 days to Opening Day, 10 burning questions

Opening Day is closing in. There's a different feel to things now. Veterans are getting restless, ready for the regular season to begin. Many players -- kids, veterans, long shots -- are nervous about the final roster cuts.

So with regulars playing longer, starting pitchers going deeper and clubhouses emptying out, let's take a moment to consider what's still left to be done.

Opening Day is closing in. There's a different feel to things now. Veterans are getting restless, ready for the regular season to begin. Many players -- kids, veterans, long shots -- are nervous about the final roster cuts.

So with regulars playing longer, starting pitchers going deeper and clubhouses emptying out, let's take a moment to consider what's still left to be done.

Here are 10 burning questions 10 days before Opening Day:

1. WillShohei Ohtanimake the Angels' Opening Day roster?That's the last question we thought we'd be asking at this point. Even if Ohtani struggled at the plate, there were pretty much zero questions about his pitching. It has been a rough spring on both fronts for the 23-year-old, and the Angels have to be wondering if a bit of time in the Minors would help his transition.

At the plate, Ohtani is 2-for-20 with seven strikeouts. On the mound, he has allowed nine runs (eight earned) in 2 2/3 innings. Historical note: At the end of Ichiro Suzuki's first spring with the Mariners, almost every scout on the planet predicted he was not ready for the big leagues. That season, he won the 2001 American League Most Valuable Player Award and the AL Rookie of the Year Award.

2. CanCC Sabathiaduplicate his 2017 season for the Yankees?You have to dig really deep to find pressing questions about these Bronx Bombers. Can first-year manager Aaron Boone handle the most high-profile gig in the Majors? Sure he can. Boone is a smart guy comfortable in his own skin. Is Giancarlo Stanton ready for the bright lights?

But one of the keys to the 2018 Yankees is for Sabathia to repeat how he performed with a sort of career renaissance in 2017: 27 starts, 3.69 ERA, 1.27 WHIP. One of the reasons general manager Brian Cashman stayed away from big-ticket spending on pitching is his belief that at 37, Sabathia can still pitch at a high level.

3. What can the Red Sox expect fromHanley Ramirez?First-year manager Alex Cora plans to bat Ramirez third, right in front of J.D. Martinez, which says he's expecting something along the lines of the 2016 version of Ramirez -- 30 home runs, 28 doubles and an .866 OPS. That Ramirez could make the Red Sox's lineup scary good.

But if Ramirez has another season like 2017, when he was banged up and inconsistent, Cora will have to look at other options. Interesting twist: Ramirez needs 497 plate appearances for his $22 million option for 2019 to vest.

4. CanDerek Fisherbe the Astros' everyday left fielder?Fisher is one of the prospects who GM Jeff Luhnow would not trade, and now he'll be given an opportunity to show that faith was well placed. In manager A.J. Hinch's perfect world, Fisher would play left, which would allow Marwin Gonzalez to move around the diamond in a super-utility role. Fisher, 24, has just 166 Major League plate appearances and is one of the few unknowns for the defending World Series champions.

5. Will Dodgers shortstopCorey Seager's elbow hold up?We should be debating whether Matt Kemp will make the Dodgers and if he can have a great second act in Los Angeles. Problem is, Seager's sore right elbow is an increasingly large concern.

The Dodgers are a deep team built to withstand injuries. But playing for an extended period without one of baseball's top best players is a challenge they'd rather not face.

6. Who bats leadoff for the Cubs?Manager Joe Maddon downplays the significance of this problem, and the Cubs scored the second-most runs in the National League last season, despite rotating 11 players into the spot without a lot of success. Best guess is that it'll again be a leadoff-man-by-committee role, unless someone -- Ian Happ? Kyle Schwarber? -- wins it outright.

7. When can Braves fans plan on seeing Ronald Acuna Jr. in the Majors?Circle two dates on the calendar: April 13 is the first day Acuna can be brought up and still secure a seventh season of contractual control. For maximum splash, April 16 could be the day. That's when the Braves return to SunTrust Field to open a seven-game homestand against the Phillies and Mets. Bottom line: not much longer.

8. When will the Cardinals getAlex Reyesback, and what will his role be?You may have noticed that the Cardinals didn't sign a top free-agent closer, and even with Greg Holland still on the market, president of baseball operations John Mozeliak seems confident about his internal options. That probably means Luke Gregerson will be the closer on Opening Day, but the more interesting question is how quickly the 23-year-old Reyes is back from Tommy John surgery.

The best guess for Reyes' return is early May, and while the Cards see him as a No. 1 starter down the line, they could ease him back with some bullpen work. To have that 97-mph stuff on the mound closing out games would give St. Louis a drastically different look.

9. Will Evan Longoriahave a bounce-back season with the Giants?No team has more significant questions than the Giants, from Jeff Samardzija's tough spring to Hunter Pence's ability to stay healthy and still play at a high level. There are even questions about how much longer Bruce Bochy will want to manage if San Francisco doesn't turn things around.

But a good place to start is with one of the Giants' new cornerstones. At 32, Longoria is hoping to prove that last season's decline was a one-year blip and not the new norm. He's not the only thing that must go right for San Francisco to return to the postseason, but he's critically important.

10. WillTim Lincecumhave a great second act as a reliever for the Rangers?Let's hope so. Lincecum's presence makes the entire sport more interesting. Besides that, the guy has busted his tail to reinvent himself and get back to the Majors at 33.

Top prospects: Who's still up? Who got cut?

With Opening Day nearing, some of MLB Pipeline's finest could be breaking camp with their respective big league clubs.

For many, this spring was their first in Major League camp. Many have shined, some have struggled, but all gave their clubs an opportunity to see them compete against Major League competition. With that in mind, here's a breakdown of every one of MLB Pipeline's Top 100 prospects who got a shot in big league camp, and whether they're still there or have been sent down.

With Opening Day nearing, some of MLB Pipeline's finest could be breaking camp with their respective big league clubs.

For many, this spring was their first in Major League camp. Many have shined, some have struggled, but all gave their clubs an opportunity to see them compete against Major League competition. With that in mind, here's a breakdown of every one of MLB Pipeline's Top 100 prospects who got a shot in big league camp, and whether they're still there or have been sent down.

1. Shohei Ohtani, Angels, RHP/DHOne of the offseason's biggest stories, Ohtani has struggled at the plate (.100/.250/.100) and on the mound (nine earned runs in 2 2/3 innings of official Spring Training action, plus a rough outing in a "B" game vs. the Tijuana Toros), though he's shown flashes of plate discipline and off-the-charts stuff off the bump. Still, given Ohtani's acclaim, it would be a shock if he wasn't in the Angels' rotation come Opening Day.

2. Ronald Acuna, Braves, OFAll Acuna has done is hit since he arrived at Braves camp, compiling a .410/.511/.744 slash line through his first 15 games. Acuna has proven he can compete in the Majors right now, but Atlanta will likely have its talented outfielder start the season in Triple-A to avoid starting his service-time clock.

6. Victor Robles, Nationals, OFRobles' raw skills have impressed in camp, but they only translated to a .205 average and .234 OBP through Saturday. There's no clear path for Robles to make the Nationals' Opening Day roster; the club's outfield is filled with quality players in Adam Eaton, Bryce Harper and Michael A. Taylor, and Brian Goodwin is penciled in as the club's fourth outfielder.

23. Austin Hays, Orioles, OFHays had to ease into things as a designated hitter as he recovered from a sore lat muscle, but should be clear to play the outfield now in Grapefruit League action. Baltimore's top prospect has struggled at the plate thus far, going 5-for-27 through Saturday, and the additions of Colby Rasmus and Alex Presley have made his bid for a roster spot that much tougher.

27. Lewis Brinson, Marlins CFBrinson has been raking this spring, with a .359/.405/.590 slash line and one homer, and though he has done all the right things, a roster spot for Opening Day isn't quite a certainty, even despite the club's outfield needs. The centerpiece in the Christian Yelich trade, Brinson hit .106 in 47 at-bats last year, which may indicate he needs more development in the Minors.

37. J.P. Crawford, Phillies SSCrawford is one of the sure locks on this list that will not only make his club's Opening Day roster, but also start. Ranked as the No. 7 shortstop prospect, per MLB Pipeline, Crawford is hitting .232 this spring.

41. Ryan McMahon, Rockies 1BAfter the Rockies re-signed Carlos Gonzalez to play right field, McMahon's chances of making everyday contributions took a skid. He could very well break camp with the club, but Gonzalez's presence will move Gerardo Parra to left and Ian Desmond to first base, depending on how Colorado wants to utilize Desmond's defensive versatility. McMahon has been strong, though, with a .333/.367/.509 slash line.

82. Jesse Winker, Reds RFWinker is hitting .400, and likely a candidate for the Reds' fourth outfielder role. He broke into the Majors for two months last year, during which he hit .298 over 47 games, and manager Bryan Price will be looking to get him big league at-bats as part of a unit that will also include Adam Duvall, Scott Schebler and Billy Hamilton.

84. Tyler Mahle, Reds RHPMahle is likely on the outside looking in among the contenders for Cincinnati's rotation, though Anthony DeSclafani's oblique injury could open the door further. His body of work throughout the Minors makes a compelling case, as does the .146 average he'd permitted to opponents over five appearances through Saturday.

96. Brandon Woodruff, Brewers RHPWoodruff is aiming for the back end of Milwaukee's rotation, and the right-hander improved his case with four innings of one-run ball in the Crew's 12-6 victory over the Rangers on Tuesday. It was a much-needed boost for Woodruff, whose spring ERA still sat at 7.04.

STILL IN CAMP

3. Vladimir Guerrero Jr., Blue Jays, OF"Lots of similar mannerisms, and today, very similar results." That's how Blue Jays manager John Gibbons compared Guerrero to his Hall of Fame father after Toronto's top prospect went 4-for-5 in his Spring Training debut last week. With no real shot at the big league roster at this stage, Guerrero has been mostly limited to BP and simulated games this spring. Still, the potential of his bat is already evident.

7. Nick Senzel, Reds, 3BThough his natural position is third base, the Reds are giving Senzel ample time at shortstop so that Eugenio Suarez can get reps at third. Senzel has held his own in his first taste of big league camp, hitting .259 through Saturday, though he will more than likely begin the year in Minor League ball.

10. Michael Kopech, White Sox, RHPKopech's swing-and-miss stuff is still electric, as he's punched out six hitters in 6 2/3 innings in Cactus League action. The flamethrower suffered a tough outing against the Royals last week, but probably has the arsenal to rank among the White Sox top five starters right now. Nonetheless, the 21-year old will likely begin 2018 in Triple-A Charlotte as a result of the club's service-time concerns.

13. Bo Bichette, Blue Jays, SSAll Bichette did was win the batting title across all Minor Leagues at age 19 last year, and all he did in his Grapefruit League debut this spring was go 2-for-3 with two RBIs. Though Bichette will start 2018 at either Class A or Double-A, it's not hard to envision the Blue Jays continuing to be aggressive in pushing him up the ranks.

14. Brendan Rodgers, Rockies, SSRodgers has held his own in Cactus League play, belting three home runs while compiling a .289/.360/.511 slash line through Saturday. But manager Bud Black has mentioned that Rodgers needs to tighten up his plate discipline, and the Rockies are set in the middle infield with DJ LeMahieu and Trevor Story.

17. Alex Reyes, Cardinals, RHPReyes' high-velocity stuff could prove integral to the success of St. Louis' bullpen this summer, but he'll begin the season with a few rehab outings as he puts the finishing touches on his Tommy John rehab. The Cardinals are targeting May 1 as his return date.

28. Luis Robert, White Sox OFRobert's most recent Cactus League appearance last week was bittersweet; he sprained his left thumb but also stayed in the game long enough to hit a grand slam for the White Sox. The athletic outfielder is expected to miss at least 10 weeks now as Chicago gives his Grade 2 sprain some time to heal. He'll likely start his season in Class A Advanced action.

29. Juan Soto, Nationals RFAlong with Robles, Soto gives the Nationals a tandem that looks quite formidable for the long-term future. Even though he's just 1-for-4 this spring, Soto is just 19 years old, and scouts believe he has batting title type potential. Ranked the club's No. 2 prospect, Soto is probably a few years away from being Major League-ready.

33. Alex Verdugo, Dodgers LFVerdugo has been vying for the Dodgers' left field job, and has done so with an impressive .367/.400/.700 slash line through Saturday. However, that job is currently occupied by a combination of Matt Kemp and Joc Pederson, which may mean Verdugo spends more time in the Minors in 2018. Disciplined and defensively savvy, Verdugo hit .314 for Triple-A Oklahoma City last year, with just 50 strikeouts in 400 at-bats.

35. Scott Kingery, Phillies 2BKingery has been making a strong case to be included on the promising Opening Day roster for a Phillies club that has lofty ambitions in 2018. He's slashed .364/.400/.697 with three homers in 33 at-bats. Conventional logic based on service time would suggest, however, that Kingery is going to begin the year in the Minors.

47. Anthony Alford, Blue Jays OFAlford's stellar spring came to an abrupt end Friday when the Blue Jays announced he would miss three to six weeks with a Grade 2 hamstring strain. Injuries have unfortunately been a consistent hindrance for Alford, whose talent was on full display as he hit .323 and compiled a .958 OPS over 31 Grapefruit League at-bats before this setback. Alford still has a shot at cracking Toronto's big league roster later this summer if he can fully recover and produce similar numbers in the Minors again.

49. Luiz Gohara, Braves LHPGohara has been hurt twice this spring, the most recent injury being a sprained ankle he sustained while participating in pitchers' fielding practice drills last Friday. The 21-year-old left-hander was a candidate for Atlanta's starting rotation, and had a 4.91 ERA with 31 strikeouts in 29 1/3 innings for the Braves following a September callup last season.

57. Jesus Sanchez, Rays LFSanchez, who signed out of the Dominican Republic in 2014, now has three years of Minor League experience under his belt, with a respectable slash line of .318/.358/.499 over 1,006 plate appearances. In his brief stint in the Grapefruit League, the 20-year-old is 3-for-7 with a double, triple and run scored. Scouts believe that as he continues to develop, both physically and mentally, he could offer middle-of-the-order potential, with an expected debut in 2019.

66. Franklin Barreto, A's 2B/SSBarreto's red-hot spring continued on Saturday when he went 2-for-4 with a walk, bringing his average up to .325 in 40 at-bats. He's long been expected to take over second base after Jed Lowrie leaves, which could manifest before the 2018 season wraps, should the club make a trade. Over 25 MLB games last year, primarily as a September callup, Barreto hit .197 with 33 strikeouts in 71 at-bats.

71. Monte Harrison, Marlins CFThe Marlins may have dissolved what was among the game's best outfields this winter, but there's a lot to like about what they got in return -- Harrison being one of the key pieces in the Yelich trade, along with Brinson. Harrison has struggled to a .133/.133/.267 line in 15 plate appearances this spring, though both of his hits were doubles.

90. Carter Kieboom, Nationals SSKieboom has had just four at-bats, registering one hit. The 2016 first-round pick isn't likely to arrive in the big leagues until 2020, and 24-year-old Trea Turner is firmly holding the Nationals' shortstop gig in the meantime.

92. Dane Dunning, White Sox RHPDunning nearly coughed up a 6-0 lead for Chicago by allowing five runs to the D-backs on March 11, but the sinkerballer had fared well prior to that appearance. Acquired from Washington in the Adam Eaton trade, Dunning appears ready to begin the year with Double-A Birmingham.

REASSIGNED TO MINORS

4. Eloy Jimenez, White Sox OF Jimenez is confident in his ability, and why not? The outfielder homered in his return from knee tendinitis on March 10, then followed up with a home run and a triple the next day. Jimenez was optioned on Wednesday and won't be in Chicago's lineup Opening Day, but he could very well join the big league club later this summer.

5. Gleyber Torres, Yankees 2B/SSTorres' bid for the Yankees' second base spot on Opening Day grew slimmer Monday when the Yankees signed veteran Neil Walker, and the club sent him down Tuesday to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes Barre. Torres' own performance didn't help his case, as he collected just four hits in 25 at-bats in Grapefruit League action. The infielder will get more seasoning as he grows more comfortable following Tommy John surgery.

8. Fernando Tatis Jr., Padres SSForget Tatis' youth at age 19, as the shortstop looked every bit the part in Padres camp while hitting .281 and compiling an .812 OPS. Tatis was sent down to the Minors on Tuesday, but his future remains bright.

11. Francisco Mejia, Indians CMejia hit wonderfully in spring action (.421/.450/.842 with two home runs and seven RBIs), though his bat has never been in question. Cleveland had Mejia play third base in the Arizona Fall League and will get him some experience in the outfield during Minor League camp and early in the season with Triple-A Columbus in case they need that bat at some point this summer.

12. Walker Buehler, Dodgers RHPBuehler has been sensational in his two Cactus League appearances. Last Saturday against the Cubs, the hard-throwing righty registered five strikeouts -- including three in a row -- over two clean innings. On Friday against Arizona, he tossed two hitless innings against the D-backs. Manager Dave Roberts hinted that Buehler's total workload will increase this year, possibly up to 140-150 innings, and the Dodgers are trying to save some of his bullets with the big league club for the stretch run (and possibly the postseason)..

16. Kyle Tucker, Astros OFHeadlining Sunday's roster cuts was Tucker, who was reassigned to Minor League camp. Tucker put forth a terrific effort in Grapefruit League action, batting .410 (16-for-39) and slugging .795 with four home runs and 17 RBIs (a total that led MLB through Saturday's action) over 39 at-bats. Tucker figures to push his way on to the Astros' Major League roster soon enough, though the club will likely hold off for now in an effort to avoid beginning his service-time clock. The outfielder hit .274 and compiled an .874 OPS in 120 games across the Class A Advanced and Double-A levels in 2017.

30. Kyle Wright, Braves RHPLast year's No. 5 overall selection in the Draft, Wright left a strong first impression at Braves camp before being reassigned to Minor League camp. The 22-year-old right-hander posted a 2.65 ERA in nine starts (17 innings) between two levels last season. He could very well be headed for the Braves' Opening Day rotation in 2019.

31. Mike Soroka, Braves RHPSoroka appeared in three Spring Training games for Atlanta before being reassigned, and pitched well, posting a 1.80 ERA with five strikeouts in five innings. The 20-year-old right-hander, who is listed at 6-foot-5, 225 pounds, could make his big league debut during the upcoming season.

32. A.J. Puk, Athletics LHPThe A's reassigned their top prospect Puk, who is baseball's No. 2 left-handed pitching prospect, per MLB Pipeline, to Minor League camp after an impressive showing against big league hitters. Puk was arguably the A's best starter in Cactus League action, having allowed four earned runs over 10 2/3 innings and holding opponents to a .184 average. The southpaw showcased plus deception and is developing potentially three above-average pitches in his fastball, breaking ball and changeup. Puk recorded a 4.03 ERA and a stellar 13.2 strikeout-per-nine-inning ratio across 27 appearances in Class A Advanced and Double-A ball last season.

36. Luis Urias, Padres SSAlong with Fernando Tatis Jr., Urias forms one of the most promising infield tandems in the Minors. Both were considered long shots to make the big league roster, and this spring was more about getting them acclimated with Major League talent. Urias, who hit .286 in 28 at-bats, was reassigned to the Minors on Tuesday, but he could very well make his big league debut this season.

38. Jack Flaherty, Cardinals RHPFlaherty attacked hitters well in his four Grapefruit League starts, pairing 20 strikeouts with just five walks, but ultimately fell short in his quest to make St. Louis' Opening Week rotation. A right-hander whose slider has already drawn comparisons to some of the best in the Majors, Flaherty will begin the year in Triple-A and figures to contribute to the Cardinals' efforts soon enough.

40. Cal Quantrill, Padres RHPQuantrill rebounded nicely from a forgettable Cactus League debut (four earned runs over a single inning) with a pair of perfect innings against the Royals last week before his reassignment. The Padres remain high on the right-hander, who is the son of longtime big league reliever Paul Quantrill.

44. Estevan Florial, Yankees OFFlorial, the club's No. 2 prospect, was reassigned to the Yankees' Minor League camp after batting .231 and slugging .462 with three triples over 18 spring games. Among the most athletic prospects across all of baseball, the 20-year-old Florial was held out of trade discussions when the Yankees acquired pitcher Sonny Gray in a Trade Deadline deal with the A's last summer

45. Austin Meadows, Pirates CFMeadows still isn't Major League-ready, the Pirates believe, as the club optioned him to Minor League camp. Meadows, who has dealt with a multitude of injuries in recent years, went 7-for-19, and if he stays healthy, he has a chance to debut in 2018, particularly with Andrew McCutchen now gone.

46. Carson Kelly, Cardinals CMLB Pipeline's No. 2-ranked catcher had a rough spring, going just 3-for-30 (.100) to go with a .171 average over 82 big league at-bats from 2016-17. Widely praised for his defense, Kelly was projected by many to back up Yadier Molina on St. Louis' big league roster, but he'll begin the year in Triple-A instead to get more reps at the plate.

48. Justus Sheffield, Yankees LHPSheffield headlined the Yankees' first round of cuts after he struggled to an 11.81 ERA over three Grapefruit League appearances. But the organization remains high on the southpaw, with manager Aaron Boone telling reporters that Sheffield surpassed his expectations. Sheffield will start 2018 in either Double- or Triple-A ball.

52. Keibert Ruiz, Dodgers CThe 19-year-old Ruiz was a non-roster invitee and though he went 6-for-9 in his brief Cactus League stint, he was never expected to compete for a big league roster spot. With the Dodgers slated to break camp with Austin Barnes and Yasmani Grandal at catcher -- and Kyle Farmer vying for an outside shot at the Opening Day roster -- the club appears set for 2018. That leaves Ruiz, its No. 3 prospect, likely to begin the year at High-A Rancho Cucamonga or Double-A Tulsa, with an expected MLB debut perhaps in 2019 or '20.

53. Willie Calhoun, Rangers OFCalhoun's bid to be the Rangers' Opening Day outfielder ended on Tuesday, as the 23-year-old prospect was optioned to the Triple-A Round Rock. Converted from second base after being acquired from the Dodgers in the Yu Darvish trade, Calhoun needs more reps in the outfield before he is ready to take the reins, manager Jeff Bannister said. Calhoun hit .243 with a homer and five RBIs in 37 at-bats in the Cactus League.

54. Alec Hansen, White Sox RHPHansen's lively mid-90s fastball turned heads in camp, but the White Sox reassigned him last week after he felt soreness in his pitching forearm. An MRI revealed no damage to Hansen's arm, and the righty will look to build on a dynamic 2017 season in which he led the Minors with 191 strikeouts. He's expected to begin 2018 with Double-A Birmingham.

56. Keston Hiura, Brewers 2B The 2017 first-round pick and current Brewers No. 1 prospect has proven to be one of the more advanced hitters in the Minors. He led all NCAA Division I hitters with a .442 average as a junior at Cal-Irvine, after all. MLB Pipeline estimates the athletic infielder will make his debut at some point in 2019, when he could compete for the full-time second base job. For the time being, Hiura is likely going to break camp with Class A Advanced Carolina.

58. Kolby Allard, Braves LHPAllard is another hurler in the Braves organization that could make his Major League debut during the upcoming season. The 20-year-old southpaw, one of two first-round selections by Atlanta in the 2015 Draft, tossed three scoreless innings during Grapefruit League action before being reassigned to Minor League camp. He posted a 3.18 ERA over 27 starts for Double-A Mississippi at age 19 last season.

61. Dylan Cease, White Sox RHPCease stayed consistently ahead of hitters over his three outings, allowing just three hits while striking out nine batters over 6 1/3 scoreless innings. The righty will likely start the year at Class A Advanced Winston-Salem, but it wouldn't be a shock to see him rise to at least Double-A by season's end.

64. Jake Bauers, Rays OF/1BThe Rays' No. 5 prospect was reassigned last Sunday following a 25 at-bat Spring Training stint in which he slashed .240/.400/.296 with a towering solo homer that impressed teammates and coaches. Just prior to belting the blast, Rays ace Chris Archer reportedly said, "Show me something," as Bauers entered the batter's box, to which the former seventh-round pick replied: "I got you." It was a follow-up to an impressive power display he showed last spring, though the 22-year-old could still benefit from more at-bats at Triple-A.

65. Miguel Andujar, Yankees 3BNew York optioned third baseman Andujar to Triple-A Scranton/Wilkes-Barre on Sunday after an eye-popping spring. Andujar, MLB Pipeline's No. 3 third base prospect, smacked four homers at a blistering pace early in camp and finished with a .643 slugging percentage in Grapefruit League action. The powerful third baseman also struck out 10 times in 42 at-bats, signaling that contact is still an area with need for improvement for Andujar going forward. Andujar was in the running for the Yankees' starting third base job, but New York's acquisitions of veteran infielders Brandon Drury and Neil Walker in recent weeks lessened the youngster's chances for a roster spot.

68. Fernando Romero, Twins RHP Romero was about as dominant as he could be in four Grapefruit League appearances, striking out eight batters and walking just one over eight hitless and scoreless innings. On Tuesday, the Twins sent Romero back to Double-A Chattanooga where he thrived last year (3.53 ERA), but his rising stock will likely carry him to Triple-A -- and possibly the Majors -- by season's end.

69. Corbin Burnes, Brewers RHP Milwaukee's top arm allowed just one run over three appearances in Arizona, pairing three strikeouts with a walk. Burnes is coming off a breakout year in which he went 8-3 with a 1.67 ERA and 140 strikeouts across Class A Advanced and Double-A action.

72. Jorge Mateo, A's SSMateo, who, along with Franklin Barreto, ranks among the game's top shortstop prospects, went out in style on Tuesday, belting a pair of home runs prior to being optioned to Triple-A Nashville. Overall, he went 3-for-12 with a pair of stolen bases. After coming over in the Sonny Gray trade last year, the Dominican-born 22-year-old hit .292 with 20 RBIs and 13 steals over 30 games with Double-A Midland.

74. Albert Abreu, Yankees RHPAbreu was sent to Class A Advanced Tampa last week. He did not make an appearance for the Yankees after needing to undergo an appendectomy just before camp opened.

75. Chance Adams, Yankees RHPAdams has focused on developing his changeup this spring to complement his fastball-slider combination. The righty will start 2018 in the Minors after being sent down, but he might be the closest of the Yankees' talented arms to reaching the big leagues. Adams had allowed a run on two hits through three innings of Grapefruit League action before getting knocked around (1 1/3 IP, 5 ER, 7 H) on Wednesday.

78. Stephen Gonsalves, Twins LHPGonsalves was sent down to Triple-A Rochester on Tuesday after allowing one earned run over 3 2/3 innings in Florida. He struggled in his 22-inning taste of Triple-A ball last season but excelled with Double-A Chattanooga, striking out 27.3 percent of the batters he faced while walking just 6.5 percent of them. If he can bring that command to Rochester, there's a chance he could push for the Twins' roster by late summer.

80. Nick Gordon, Twins SSThe Twins' first-round pick from 2014 went 9-for-22 this spring before Minnesota reassigned him to Minor League camp Sunday. The brother of speedster Dee Gordon is touted to have as versatile of a skill-set as his All-Star elder. He battled a minor wrist injury recently, but returned quickly and is expected to make his big league debut this season, according to MLB Pipeline.

81. Christian Arroyo, Rays INF The key return in the Evan Longoria trade, who was expected to potentially make the Opening Day roster, was sent down last weekend. Though Arroyo played in 34 games for the Giants last year, the Rays believe he could benefit from more reps and at-bats before joining the big league club.

83. Max Fried, Braves LHPFried tossed three scoreless innings over his first two Major League appearances last August, but struggled the rest of the way in 2017. Prior to being reassigned, he posted a 6.75 ERA in four Grapefruit League appearances (6 2/3 innings). The 24-year-old left-hander missed most of 2014 and all of 2015 recovering from Tommy John surgery. He posted a 5.54 ERA in 21 starts between Double-A Mississippi and Triple-A Gwinnett (two starts) last season.

93. Jahmai Jones, Angels CFOnce a dual-sport athlete who excelled as a wide receiver -- and with a father and brother with NFL experience -- Jones excelled in the Minors last year. However, he went just 2-for-17 in the Cactus League this spring, his first with the big league club, before he was reassigned. Jones will likely begin the season with High-A Inland Empire but look for him to reach Double-A Mobile at some point in 2018.

94. Tyler O'Neill, Cardinals RFIt was a tough spring for O'Neill, who battled two injuries and was eventually sent down after recording just 12 at-bats in Grapefruit League action. O'Neill, who came over from the Mariners last summer, was "on the edge" of making the team, manager Mike Matheny said. As a key cog in Triple-A Memphis' national title game appearance, O'Neill has shown significant pop in his bat, when healthy, and has been compared to former Cardinal Randal Grichuk for his athleticism.

97. Austin Riley, Braves 3BThe 2015 first-round pick didn't exactly have the spring he'd probably hoped for -- a .208/.367/.908 slash line in 24 at-bats -- but the Braves have high hopes for the 20-year-old. The club had been linked to potentially signing free agent Mike Moustakas, but it's believed that they steered from doing so in part because they believe Riley to be their long-term third baseman of the future.

98. Ryan Mountcastle, Orioles 3B/SSMountcastle's bat looked strong in his first big league camp -- he slashed .292/.320/.668 with three doubles, two homers and five RBIs in 13 games -- but his transition from shortstop to third base has been a challenge. He still needs to show patience at the plate, but with Manny Machado's looming free agency, Mountcastle might work his way to the Majors sooner than later.

Brewers reenact classic 'The Sandlot' scene

By
Eric Chesterton

It has been nearly 25 years since 'The Sandlot' came out on April 7, 1993. Almost instantly, the film was regarded as one of the greatest baseball movies of all time because of its unique combination of kids playing baseball together at a local park while mixing in some of the sport's history. Add in the comedy of the characters navigating difficulties entirely of their own making and you have not only a fantastic baseball movie, but a fantastic movie.

In celebration of The Sandlot's 25th anniversary, the Brewers decided to reenact their favorite scene:

Scherzer gets third Opening Day nod for DC

MLB.com

Max Scherzer will start on Opening Day in Cincinnati on March 29 against the Reds, the Nationals announced on Monday morning. Scherzer had previously started the opener in both 2015 and '16, his first two seasons with the Nats.

Winner of the past two National League Cy Young Awards, Scherzer went 16-6 with a 2.51 ERA in 31 starts last season. He led the National League with 268 strikeouts.

Max Scherzer will start on Opening Day in Cincinnati on March 29 against the Reds, the Nationals announced on Monday morning. Scherzer had previously started the opener in both 2015 and '16, his first two seasons with the Nats.

Winner of the past two National League Cy Young Awards, Scherzer went 16-6 with a 2.51 ERA in 31 starts last season. He led the National League with 268 strikeouts.

Stephen Strasburg, Gio Gonzalez and Tanner Roark will follow Scherzer in the rotation.

Thor says he's ready for Opening Day after gem

Righty holds O's regulars to one run with five K's, expected to make one more spring start

By
Joey JohnstonSpecial to MLB.com

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard has pronounced himself ready for Opening Day. He was overpowering, efficient and crafty -- all of that and more -- in Sunday's 5-4 win against the Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium.

"I feel like my progression this spring has been really nice," Syndergaard said. "I'm ready to get out of Florida and get back to New York."

SARASOTA, Fla. -- Mets right-hander Noah Syndergaard has pronounced himself ready for Opening Day. He was overpowering, efficient and crafty -- all of that and more -- in Sunday's 5-4 win against the Orioles at Ed Smith Stadium.

"I feel like my progression this spring has been really nice," Syndergaard said. "I'm ready to get out of Florida and get back to New York."

Syndergaard pitched a spring-high seven innings and allowed eight hits while striking out five and walking none. In five spring starts, Syndergaard is 1-2 with a 1.35 ERA. He has six walks and 23 strikeouts in 20 innings pitched.

When he walked off the mound after the sixth inning, Mets fans in the crowd gave him a standing ovation. Then he returned for the seventh.

Syndergaard was at 72 pitches after six. He needed just 13 more pitches to get out of the seventh.

"He was nasty ... really nasty," said Mets catcher Travis d'Arnaud, who spurred New York's offense with a solo home run and a two-run double and threw out a basestealer. "Everything was working -- four-seam, two-seam, curveball, slider and changeup were all working. He was able to put them all on both sides of the plate. We were able to effectively mix up sequences and have some fun out there.

"I could tell in the bullpen he had it today. He was spotting up everything. I knew it was going to be a fun day."

Syndergaard, who will be the Mets' first back-to-back Opening Day pitcher since Johan Santana (2008-10), missed five months last season with a strained right lat. He made just seven starts, finishing at 1-2 with a 2.97 ERA after winning 14 games in '16.

Now Syndergaard is healthy. He has full command of his pitches, and in a calculated move that required plenty of offseason work, he's coming to the plate much quicker, allowing his catchers more time to throw out potential basestealers.

What has Callaway seen?

"I see him pitching," Callaway said. "He's not just trying to blow everybody away. He's staying within himself. He's using his pitches really well. It's hard to say he's staying within himself when he's throwing a 94-mph slider in the seventh, but he really is. He has been just outstanding. He's mixing up his pitches and not being predictable. He's getting ahead, so you don't have to get in a fastball count and throw a fastball."

The strikeouts have been there, but Syndergaard said he's probably more pleased with his ability to pitch to contact.

"I just try to throw it where I wanted," he said. "If they decided to hit it in play, that's their own doing. It saves me bullets. It allows me to go deeper into games."

Syndergaard is expected to get one more spring start -- "maybe 50 pitches, touch and feel, just get ready for Opening Day'' -- before his scheduled start on March 29 against the Cardinals in New York.

If Sunday's performance is any indication, he's already ready for the regular season.

"I thought I was very efficient," Syndergaard said. "I had fastball command early in the game. The slider felt real nice coming out of my hand. It was just a lot of fun playing fundamental baseball on all sides of the field.

"I really didn't know what my pitch count was. I was going to pitch until somebody told me to stop."

Joey Johnston is a contributor to MLB.com and covered the Mets on Sunday.

Mattingly: Stanton 'in a good spot' with Yankees

TAMPA, Fla. -- About two hours prior to Giancarlo Stanton's first game against the Marlins, the slugger descended the three steps of the visiting dugout at George M. Steinbrenner Field, warmly embracing his former manager while creating a jarring visual.

There was Stanton, Miami's all-time leader in homers, RBIs and total bases, grinning broadly while showing off his Yankees-issued midnight blue batting practice top. On the receiving end of that hug was Don Mattingly, a New York icon who still appears somewhat out of place wearing anything but pinstripes.

TAMPA, Fla. -- About two hours prior to Giancarlo Stanton's first game against the Marlins, the slugger descended the three steps of the visiting dugout at George M. Steinbrenner Field, warmly embracing his former manager while creating a jarring visual.

There was Stanton, Miami's all-time leader in homers, RBIs and total bases, grinning broadly while showing off his Yankees-issued midnight blue batting practice top. On the receiving end of that hug was Don Mattingly, a New York icon who still appears somewhat out of place wearing anything but pinstripes.

Following that interaction, Mattingly opined that Stanton is "in a good spot" with his new club, and should be ready for the challenges that await.

"He'll be fine," Mattingly said prior to the Yankees' 8-5 Grapefruit League victory. "If you're good on the field, then you're good everywhere. He's not a guy that's out in Page Six. He's a young guy, he has fun, but he's pretty private. I think that's good for him in New York. He's played enough. He's got confidence in his ability. I think once you have confidence in the field, you just kind of deal with everything else."

Ten days away from his first Opening Day with the Yankees, Stanton seems to have turned the page on eight seasons in Miami, which ended in acrimony prior to a December trade that sent All-Star second baseman Starlin Castro and prospects Jose Devers and Jose Guzman to the Marlins. Stanton spent time on Sunday chatting with Miami's coaches and personnel.

"It was good to see those guys," Stanton said. "I caught up with them for a little bit, checked in how things are doing. It was just good to see them."

Yankees manager Aaron Boone said that he didn't even realize Stanton was playing his former team until he spotted his player chatting jovially with third-base coach Fredi Gonzalez during an inning.

"I was like, 'Oh yeah, he's playing his [old] team today,'" Boone said. "I think he really likes it here. It's a credit to those guys in that room. I think they made him feel at home. The sense I've gotten is that he's come in and been one of the guys, not necessarily put on a pedestal or anything like that. I think he likes that."

Perhaps that is why Stanton has readily attacked the challenge of a new position, having played more left field than right this spring. He was busy on Sunday, recording a pair of putouts while unable to snare Scott Van Slyke's sinking fourth-inning liner, which fell for a double.

"I'm moving side to side better, got a lot of reads," Stanton said. "I got a lot today. If you prepare for a lot, then you're ready for a little."

Mattingly said that though Stanton was easy for him to manage, calling him a "no-maintenance guy" during their time together, adjusting to life without the National League MVP Award winner has been a necessary transition.

"It was one of those things that it felt like our organization had to do," Mattingly said. "You don't ever want to lose guys like that, but you know in our situation with a smaller-market club, it was going to be tough having one guy being 30 percent of your payroll. It straps you as far as being able to put a team on the field that's going to be competitive."

Stanton exited for a pinch-runner after mashing a Justin Nicolino offering for a seventh-inning RBI single, his eighth hit in 35 spring at-bats (.229). He also walked twice on Sunday.

On a day when Greg Bird and Gary Sanchez launched long homers, Stanton could appreciate the backup he frequently lacked in his previous life, but he looks forward to playing a starring role as well.

"I've still got to perform the way I can, too," Stanton said. "I'll get a lot of help on the days that I don't produce, but I'm part of that lineup. We're all whole."

Stanton can renew acquaintances again soon, as the Marlins and Yankees play four times during Interleague Play. Derek Jeter's team comes to Yankee Stadium, April 16-17, and the Yankees will travel to Miami, Aug. 21-22.

"I think during the regular season it'll be a little weird, but it wasn't too bad [Sunday]," Stanton said.

This will be Bryce Harper's career season

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- This is the season. Yes, maybe we have said that before. Maybe we thought it would be last season, or two seasons ago. But that's OK. This is the season.

This is the year Bryce Harper makes his case for the best player in baseball.

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. -- This is the season. Yes, maybe we have said that before. Maybe we thought it would be last season, or two seasons ago. But that's OK. This is the season.

This is the year Bryce Harper makes his case for the best player in baseball.

This has not been the focus surrounding Harper this Spring Training. No, everyone wants to speculate about 2019, about where he will go in free agency. But Harper doesn't want to talk about any of that. He really doesn't want to talk much at all. The focus is overwhelming. This is the year, you can just feel it. This is the year that Harper stays healthy and blows America's mind.

Harper sparks different emotions. You might say, "No, wait, Bryce Harper has already made his push for best player in the game. In 2015, he had a season for the ages, he hit .330/.460/.649, led the National League in on-base percentage, slugging percentage, homers and runs and won the National League Most Valuable Player Award unanimously. That's the stuff of legends." And it is.

But that was three years ago. And here's the thing: I think he has something even better in him. Then, you might say: "Enough of the Bryce Harper hype. Yes, he had one great season -- so did Josh Hamilton, Ken Caminiti, Mo Vaughn … heck, Juan Gonzalez had two MVP seasons. Harper has not stayed healthy enough to have another great season; he has not proven he can stay healthy." And this is true, too. The health thing has been a huge issue.

Harper has spent a lifetime preparing to be baseball's best player. You could say the same about most of the great players in the game, but Harper has his own unique version of the story. He was recruited for a travel baseball team when he was 7. At age 12, while playing in a tournament in Alabama with a 250-foot fence, he went 12-for-12 with 11 home runs. At 15, he hit the famous 570-foot home run in a Hollywood tournament and placed himself squarely in the national spotlight. At 16, he was on the cover of Sports Illustrated next to the words "Baseball's Chosen One."

Yes, Harper was the first pick in the 2010 Draft. There are scouts who say that if you put every drafted player into one pool -- Alex Rodriguez, Ken Griffey Jr., Chipper Jones, Stephen Strasburg, all of them -- Harper would still be the No. 1 pick. And this is the prism by which everyone -- Harper included -- looks at Harper's career.

It is this background, this unlimited promise, that creates such divergent opinions about Harper. He won an MVP Award with a dazzling season (and he might have won his second, had he stayed healthy last year), he's a five-time All-Star and his 150 home runs rank him 13th on the all-time list through age 24. So to say that there has been a tinge of disappointment with Harper's early career seems unfair.

But there has been a tinge of disappointment with Harper's early career. His rough-and-tumble play has landed him on the disabled list and, just as significant, created long stretches of time when he is clearly hampered on the field. He refused to make excuses, but it's clear that he just wasn't right the entire 2016 season. You know the Nationals are aware of this when you hear new manager Dave Martinez talk about how one of Harper's realistic goals in 2018 is to win his first NL Gold Glove Award, but quickly adds "without running into walls."

The Nats really don't want Harper running into walls.

Harper has been an incredible April player. For his career in April, he has hit .322 and slugged .638, far and away his best numbers for any month. This is unusual. April tends to be a sluggish month for hitters. Hall of Famer George Brett, who shared many of Harper's all-out instincts for the game, is illustrative. He was a famously terrible April hitter -- he hit .300-plus every other month, but managed just a .264 average in April. Year after year, April is the poorest hitting month -- a stat usually attributed to the weather and the old trope that pitchers usually begin the year ahead of hitters.

But not Harper. Why? Is it because Harper works harder in the offseason to prepare? Probably. Is it because Harper's hitting clock is always calibrated? Sure. But it's also probably because in April, Harper is healthy. His body has not yet worn down.

So that's the key -- finding a way to keep Harper healthy. The question is: Can Harper tame his play somewhat so that he's not, say, running into walls, but still maintain the intensity level that makes him such a special player? More than one baseball historian has brought up the case of Pete Reiser, who as a 22-year-old in Brooklyn in 1941 led the National League in average, slugging, runs, doubles, triples and finished second in MVP voting. Reiser had his career interrupted by World War II, which was probably the biggest factor, but he was also famous for his all-out play (he ran into lots of walls), and he dealt with countless injuries that prevented him from becoming an all-time great player.

Harper is working hard to prepare for a healthy season, another reason why I think this is the year.

"His work ethic is unbelievable," Martinez said. "I mean, all aspects of the game, he competes every day."

What would a Harper super-season look like? Well, you begin with what he did in his MVP year. But Harper is even stronger now, his confidence -- never a problem -- is at an all-time high, and the world will be watching closely. For some, the pressure of leading into perhaps the most anticipated free agency in baseball history would be overwhelming. But as one baseball executive said, "Bryce thrives on pressure. It's what he has lived for all his life. He has been dealing with it since he was a teenager."

I asked five baseball executives what they expect to see from Harper this year. All five say more or less the same thing: If he stays healthy, he will put up MVP numbers. Mike Trout has been the best player in the game for a few years now, and you expect him to stay on top for a while longer. I think this is the year Harper takes a run at the title.

Injury updates: Greinke, Davis, Vargas

Here's a roundup of the latest injury news around the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues:

Zack Greinke, D-backsD-backs ace Zack Greinke threw 40 pitches on Sunday in his first bullpen session since leaving Wednesday's start against the Reds with right groin tightness.

Here's a roundup of the latest injury news around the Cactus and Grapefruit Leagues:

Zack Greinke, D-backsD-backs ace Zack Greinke threw 40 pitches on Sunday in his first bullpen session since leaving Wednesday's start against the Reds with right groin tightness.

The 34-year-old former Cy Young Award winner bounced back from a rough 2016 campaign, posting a 3.20 ERA and 1.07 WHIP in 32 starts for Arizona last season. His fastball velocity had been down in his Cactus League debut this year, but seemed to be back to the normal 90-91 mph range in the first inning Wednesday.

With the injury-shortened outing on Wednesday, Greinke's side session was delayed by two days. As a result, the D-backs will likely have Greinke start the third game of the season against Colorado, rather than Opening Day, according to manager Torey Lovullo.

Chris Davis, OriolesBatting leadoff, Davis returned to the O's lineup on Sunday for the first time in two weeks after suffering a right forearm injury. Baltimore plans to send Davis to the Minor Leagues on Monday to make sure the slugger finds a comfortable rhythm before Opening Day.

"I want to see how he feels after today," manager Buck Showalter said. "We're thinking tomorrow over there, but let's see how he feels today and tomorrow morning. We'll play it by ear, but all indications are that he should be able to go."

Jason Vargas, MetsVargas has a non-displaced fracture of the hamate bone in his non-pitching hand and will undergo surgery Tuesday, the team announced. He is expected to resume his throwing program five days after the surgery. Vargas signed a two-year, $16 million deal this offseason. Vargas went 18-11 with a 4.16 ERA last season for the Royals, tying for the Major League lead in victories.

Mallex Smith, RaysSmith, the Rays' probable fourth outfielder, is still sidelined with a right hamstring injury. The 24-year-old has not played a spring game since March 8, and manager Kevin Cash said the club is cutting it close for Opening Day with Smith.

Smith was batting .304 with three RBIs and two stolen bases in spring camp prior to his injury. The outfielder garnered 69 hits in 81 games with two home runs, 12 RBIs and 16 stolen bases for the Rays in 2017. The club looks to optimize Smith's speed on the basepaths as soon as he feels healthy again.

Jharel Cotton, A'sIn what could be a huge blow to an already uncertain A's rotation, Jharel Cotton -- a right-hander who was one of just two locks for the Opening Day rotation -- has been diagnosed with a sprained ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow, which signifies a tear in the UCL. Such an injury is typically a precursor to Tommy John surgery, which would cost Cotton the entire 2018 season, if not more. Cotton, who went 9-10 with a 5.58 ERA in 24 starts as a rookie last year, will seek a second opinion.

Martin Prado, MarlinsA setback on Tuesday while running the bases will send Prado to the disabled list to start the regular season, according to Marlins manager Don Mattingly. Prado, who played in just 37 games over an injury-plagued 2017, is recovering from offseason surgery to his right knee. He was preparing to take Minor League at-bats on Tuesday before the setback, which he said created pain in the back of his knee. The 34-year-old third baseman has been receiving roughly 90 minutes of treatment daily. He felt much better on Thursday morning, and he's hoping his DL stint will be a brief one.

Brad Miller, RaysMiller took his first live at-bats of the spring on Thursday in a Minor League game, as he continues to work his way back from a broken right pinkie toe. Against the Twins' Triple-A affiliate, Miller went 0-for-4 with two strikeouts. After battling injuries throughout a 2017 season in which he finished with a career-low .201 batting average, the Rays are hoping a healthy Miller can get back to the form he showed in '16, when he hit a career-high 30 home runs. He's an option for the club at first base, second base and designated hitter, but Kevin Cash said Miller's status for Opening Day remains uncertain.

Daniel Murphy, NationalsThe Nationals won't rule out their star second baseman for Opening Day yet, but his prognosis is looking more uncertain by the day. After undergoing microfracture surgery on his right knee this past offseason, Murphy has been limited to taking batting practice on the field and fielding grounders hit directly to him. The veteran infielder still isn't completing lateral movement drills, and he only just began running with full effort off a treadmill. Despite the obvious concern that Murphy won't accumulate enough at-bats before the regular season, the Nationals reiterated on Thursday that they want to continue monitoring his progress before ruling him out.

Michael Conforto, MetsIn his most significant step he's taken since undergoing left shoulder surgery last September, Conforto took four at-bats in Minor League camp on Friday -- his first live swings since sustaining the injury while swinging at a pitch last fall. Conforto went 0-for-2 with a fielder's choice and a walk in a Minor League game.

Conforto has been out of game action all spring, but he has been taking part in baseball activities. He's expected to remain in extended spring camp and continue recovering. His return date has been speculated to be May 1.

Mark Trumbo, OriolesThe Orioles got some bad news Thursday: Trumbo will miss three to four weeks with a Grade 2 strain of his right quad.

Trumbo's MRI on Thursday revealed the strain. The veteran slugger had already missed a week due to the same issue, and he had just returned to the lineup on Wednesday. After the game, Trumbo felt discomfort again, and he remained in Sarasota, Fla., while the O's left to play split-squad games against the Cardinals and Mets.

The latest timetable for recovery would put Trumbo out past Opening Day. Baltimore's season opener is just two weeks away, on March 29 against the Twins at Camden Yards.

Marcus Stroman, Blue JaysOnce believed to be on track to reprise his role as the Blue Jays' Opening Day starter, Stroman was ruled out on Monday for the club's March 29 opener against the Yankees with right shoulder inflammation. He is expected to take a step back toward rejoining the rotation on Saturday, when he pitches an exhibition game against the Canadian Junior National Team.

After tossing a pair of bullpen sessions this week, beginning the process of being stretched out, Stroman is slated to pitch two innings on Saturday.

Though he appears to have recovered from the shoulder issue that has plagued him since early in camp, Stroman is running out of time to face live batters and prepare for the regular season. Manager John Gibbons hasn't ruled the right-hander out to make a regular-season start, at some point, through the first rotation.

"We're not sure yet," Gibbons said of Stroman's first outing, per MLB.com's Gregor Chisholm. "He could still pitch in that Yankees series. We're just trying to buy him enough time. Shoulder really is no big deal, but my experience in this game says, 'You know what? Sometimes it's better to be smart than stupid.'"

Randal Grichuk, Blue JaysA lingering rib-cage injury, the latest health issue for Grichuk, left the right fielder out of the lineup on Thursday against the Red Sox. Grichuk, who stayed at the team's facility in Dunedin, Fla., insists the setback is only minor.

"My side has been a little tight, kind of pulling a little bit," Grichuk said Thursday morning. "We figured it would be best to treat it, manage it -- instead of playing through it -- take a few days and be on the safe side. ... We're kind of taking it day by day, seeing how the body reacts each day to adding more and more. Just seeing how it goes."

The Blue Jays don't want to risk flaring Grichuk's rib cage so close to Opening Day, so Thursday's decision was largely precautionary. Grichuk, who said he's unsure when he sustained the rib injury, is slated to take over Jose Bautista's job as the everyday right fielder.

Grichuk has been limited to just 17 at-bats this spring, in part due to a sprained left wrist he sustained while making a diving catch against the Yankees last month. He also missed four games before the rib injury surfaced.

Javier Baez, CubsBaez left last Thursday's game with left hamstring tightness, but he could return to action as soon as this weekend.

Baez slashed .273/.317/.480 with 23 home runs in 145 games for the Cubs last season, his second full big league campaign.

Shelby Miller, D-backsMiller returned to the mound on Wednesday for the first time in nearly 11 months, throwing his first bullpen session since undergoing Tommy John surgery on May 11. He's aiming for a June or July return to the big leagues. He threw about 15 pitches and expects to throw another bullpen session on Friday.

"I felt great, but I thought I'd maybe be a little shaky with my command, but the command was right there, kind of like right where I left off," Miller said. "It was kind of nice to see that and good to just get back on the mound and get that box checked."

Michael Brantley, IndiansBrantley took the next step in his recovery from right ankle surgery with a pair of at-bats in a Minor League game on Wednesday. He's yet to begin running the bases or participating in fielding drills, however.

"He's doing really well," Indians manager Terry Francona said. "We're still debating on maybe how extensive his morning is, but he's doing well. I think how he responds to what he's done [will impact what he does]."

Steven Wright, Red SoxWright took what manager Alex Cora called "a big step" on Wednesday in his rehab from a procedure to restore cartilage in his left knee last May. The knuckleballer threw batting practice, incrementally increasing the pressure put on the knee.

"I feel pretty good where it's at right now," Wright said. "It's just a matter of getting that stamina back, and a lot of it is mental, just getting over the fact that I can do it. Before I had the surgery, every time I would land, it would hurt. Now, it's just getting [past] that mental lapse over the fact that my knee is good."

The 33-year-old right-hander posted a 3.33 ERA in 24 starts for Boston in 2016, but he made only five starts in '17 before the season-ending surgery.

Polanco suspended 80 games for PEDs

Twins shortstop Jorge Polanco received an 80-game suspension from Major League Baseball on Sunday for a performance-enhancing substance.

Polanco tested positive for Stanozolol, per MLB, which is a violation of the league's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. His suspension will begin at the start of the regular season.

Twins shortstop Jorge Polanco received an 80-game suspension from Major League Baseball on Sunday for a performance-enhancing substance.

Polanco tested positive for Stanozolol, per MLB, which is a violation of the league's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. His suspension will begin at the start of the regular season.

"We were disappointed to learn of the suspension of Jorge Polanco for violating Major League Baseball's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program," the Twins said in a statement. "We fully support Major League Baseball's policy and its efforts to eliminate performance-enhancing substances from our game. Per the protocol outlined in the Joint Drug Program, the Minnesota Twins will not comment further on this matter."

Now with immediate uncertainty at shortstop, Eduardo Escobar figures to be the everyday starter. But Ehire Adrianza will likely also see action. And now in need of an extra roster spot, non-roster invitee Erick Aybar will likely break camp with the big league club.

"Today, I have regretfully accepted my 80-game suspension for testing positive for Stanozolol," Polanco said in a statement. "To be clear, I did not intentionally consume this steroid. I now know, however, that my intention alone is not a good enough excuse, and I will pay the price for my error in judgment. The substance that I requested from my athletic trainer in the Dominican Republic and consented to take was a combination of vitamin B12 and an iron supplement, something that is not unusual or illegal for professional athletes to take. Unfortunately, what I was given was not that supplement, and I take full responsibility for what is in my body."

Polanco, 24, got his first true crack at the Majors last year when he played in 133 games and slashed .256/.313/.410 with 13 homers and 74 RBIs. After a rocky start, Polanco got on a tear down the stretch, batting .373 with six homers and a 1.099 OPS in August, which prompted manager Paul Molitor to utilize Polanco in the three-hole as Miguel Sano recovered from a shin injury.

But with a retooled lineup that added Logan Morrison via free agency, Polanco was likely set to bat in the lower third of the lineup for most of 2018.

Projected 2018 lineups, rotations for every team

MLB.com

Spring Training is underway and the 2018 regular season is just around the corner. Here's our best guess at how all 30 lineups, rotations and closer spots will shake out. A lot can change between now and Opening Day, so these predictions are fluid. We'll update them as Spring Training progresses.

Spring Training is underway and the 2018 regular season is just around the corner. Here's our best guess at how all 30 lineups, rotations and closer spots will shake out. A lot can change between now and Opening Day, so these predictions are fluid. We'll update them as Spring Training progresses.